Blue Moon Announces New Belgian Inspired Seasonal Lineup

The first hint of winter is in the air, and for Blue Moon Brewing Company that means it’s time to share some new tastes for a new season. The Denver-based brewer is rolling out a new and improved collection of delicious seasonal beers inspired by Blue Moon Belgian White-style wheat ale, as well as the unique flavors of the seasons.

Just like Blue Moon Belgian White, each seasonal now includes the complement of wheat for a smooth and inviting taste. And for added consistency, each Artfully Crafted beer dons a new label with an updated Blue Moon seasonal name.

The new Blue Moon seasonal lineup includes:
o Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale
o Blue Moon Spring Blonde Wheat Ale
o Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat Ale
o Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale

The revamped lineup makes its debut with the rollout of the winter seasonal, Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale. Available wherever beer is sold beginning Nov. 1, this copper-colored ale is crafted with roasted malts and a hint of Belgian sugar for rich caramel and toffee notes. It pairs well with hearty winter foods, such as stews and chocolate-based desserts, making it a great beer to share and celebrate with family and friends throughout the winter.

As an added bonus this holiday season, the craft brewer is bringing back its popular, special-edition Blue Moon Grand Cru. In Belgium, a Grand Cru is typically a rich, bold beer brewed to celebrate the holiday season or other special events. Introduced last year, Blue Moon Grand Cru is brewed with small-batch care, while providing a unique twist on the classic Grand Cru.

An artfully crafted, full-bodied, 8.2 percent Alcohol by Volume beer, Blue Moon Grand Cru is based on the Blue Moon Belgian White recipe, featuring rich, creamy notes, with subtle hints of orange peel and coriander. It delivers a warm, spicy finish. Available in a 750-ml bottle, Blue Moon Grand Cru hits store shelves and coolers Nov. 1, and is priced around $8.99 per bottle.

“At Blue Moon Brewing Company, we never stop striving to perfect our craft, and these two winter brews are not only perfect for celebrating with friends, but will really set the tone for all of our new seasonals to come in 2011,” said Blue Moon Brewmaster Keith Villa. “We’re thrilled to introduce our new seasonal collection and also provide our loyal fans with our special-edition Blue Moon Grand Cru in time for the holiday season.”

The rest of the new seasonal collection will arrive throughout the upcoming year. Blue Moon Brewing Company, which won a Brewery of the Year Award at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival, has not only enhanced its current seasonal recipes with a variety of flavorful twists, but it is bringing a completely new beer to the table for spring. Brewed with orange and lemon peel for a little extra zing, Blue Moon Spring Blonde Wheat Ale is a refreshing golden-colored beer with a crisp, citrus finish. The beer perfectly complements seafood, light seasonal salads, fruit dishes and sorbets.

Flowing from spring to summer will be the Blue Moon seasonal that has not undergone a transformation. Crafted with clover honey for a hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a touch of orange peel for subtle citrus notes, Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat Ale has a fresh taste and is a fitting tribute to those endless summer days. This refreshing beer won its third gold medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival.

And the updated Blue Moon seasonal collection will be complete in the fall of 2011, as the rich, amber-colored Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale treats taste buds. This ale is brewed with flavors like vine-ripened pumpkin, cloves and nutmeg for a taste reminiscent of freshly baked pumpkin pie.

For more information about the new Blue Moon seasonals and Blue Moon Brewing Company, visit www.Facebook.com/BlueMoon.